"That was a close one"

The title of this post is a quote from one of the Intensive Care doctors that attended to Sawyer as he spiraled into anaphylactic shock. During the administration of chemo at Strong Memorial today, Sawyer had a severe allergic reaction that proved to be life threatening. In a gross understatement, this was a frightening experience as his dad (the writer of this post) watched Sawyer turn red, then begin to feel a burning sensation all over his body. Benedryl was ordered but couldn't come fast enough. By the time the Benedryl arrived, Sawyer was in full panic stating that he was losing his sight while at the same time scratching himself and begging for the medicine.At this point his father noticed that Sawyer's color turned white, then his eyes went blank and he was unresponsive, slumping in his chair. He then began to throw up and turned a grayish-blue. At this point his dad was pinned in the corner of the room as a couple dozen medical staff descended on the scene. Watching with a sense of shock, confusion and horror, his father was removed from the room as one nurse started to administer CPR while another cleaned his airway and attached a breathing bag . With little recollection of leaving the room, Sawyer's dad was quickly met by a social worker and the hospital chaplain. The arrival of the latter was a clear signal regarding the dire nature of this situation. Within a few minutes (about ten), a nurse came out to report that Sawyer was breathing on his own again. A few minutes later that same nurse reported that Sawyer was stable and being moved to PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit). His father was allowed back in the room where Sawyer was groggy, but responding to questions. The move to the PICU was efficient and expedient. Sawyer quickly responded to all treatments. It is now about five hours after the incident and Sawyer has been removed from the breathing tube and is doing remarkably well. After sleeping for the past several hours, Sawyer is now sitting up, watching TV and eating a couple bowls of cereal. 

"That was a close one." The ICU doctor said this more than once. It was easy to see that Sawyer was a bit disturbed to hear that his mortality was threatened, but he seemed equally relieved to hear that he had an allergic reaction and not a heart attack. The same physician just examined Sawyer and was pleased and amazed with how well Sawyer bounced back. He noted that Sawyer should not have to worry about a relapse and should be able to go home tomorrow. This day turned out considerably better than when his father was trapped in the corner wondering how or if this would turn out. Despite our current sense of relief, today  served as an all too vivid reminder of the challenges that lie ahead and must be surmounted. It also served to remind us of how thankful we are for the medical staff here at Strong and for prayers, incredible  kindness and concern of our family and friends.